Howell upbeat despite missing the cut in Germany

DAVID Howell admitted he was extremely frustrated not to take advantage of his superb start as he missed the cut at the International Open in Germany yesterday.

The Broome Manor man birdied four of his first five holes in Koln on day one on Thursday before finishing his first set of 18 holes three-under-par, but he could only card a round of one-over on day two which saw him miss the cut by a single shot.

Howell admitted a few loose shots cost him dear during his second round, which saw him card four bogeys as well as a double bogey, but is determined not to be too down about missing out on the weekend.

“It was very frustrating because I got off to a great start on day one as I went four-under through five holes, and then to miss the cut is very hard.

“It’s a nice course if you knock it down the middle and the greens are perfect, it was also playing short, but if you miss on your drive the rough is very heavy and you’re struggling for your par.

“It gives you loads of chances but if you do stray a little you can find yourself in trouble. There was plenty of good golf in there but I did hit a couple of loose ones which cost me.

“Sometimes you have to take things on the chin because my golf wasn’t too bad. You come home not feeling too good about things but you have to keep things in perspective.”

“I missed by one and was still under par so it’s not the end of the world.”

Despite his disappointment, Howell was able to take some positives from the tournament.

“There are some positives in that my swing was a little easier following a few changes, which are a bit more comfortable,” he said.

“That said there is still a little bit more work to do which I will concentrate on now.

“It would have been nice to push on in a prime part of the season, at a course I really like, but I can’t beat myself up about it.”